Kenya–UK Business Forum Sets Agenda for Expanded Trade and Investment
The State Department for Investment Promotion (SDIP) today participated in the UK–Kenya Business Forum 2026, the first of its kind to be held in Kenya, bringing together senior government officials, investors and business leaders from both countries to advance bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
The high-level forum, organized by the British Chambers of Commerce Kenya (BCCK), focused on translating policy dialogue into actionable outcomes as trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom surpassed £2.1 billion in 2025, representing an 11.9 per cent growth from the previous year.
The forum was officiated by the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, who was the Chief Guest, alongside Principal Secretary for Trade Ms. Regina Ombam, BCCK Chairperson Ms. Sonal Tejpar, Dr. Ed Barnett, Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya and Ms. Farida Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of BCCK.
Speaking at the forum, PS Abubakar reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its investment climate and accelerating the conversion of investor interest into real projects.
“Kenya is open for business, Kenya is ready for business and Kenya is safe for business. Our priority is to move decisively from dialogue to delivery by converting leads into deals that create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth,” said PS Abubakar.
He outlined ongoing business environment reforms, including the proposed Business Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at enhancing competitiveness, liberalizing key sectors and improving investor facilitation and aftercare through SDIP.
BCCK Chairperson Ms. Sonal Tejpar highlighted the strength and resilience of the UK–Kenya economic partnership, noting the growing confidence of businesses in both markets.
“Trade between the UK and Kenya has reached historic levels, surpassing £2.1 billion, demonstrating strong confidence in our partnership and reinforcing our shared ambition to double bilateral trade by 2030,” said Ms. Tejpar.
She noted that the Chamber, which represents over 300 Kenyan and British companies, continues to support market access, policy dialogue and private sector collaboration through initiatives such as the Enabling Business and Trade Environment Project, implemented in partnership with TradeMark Africa.
Dr. Ed Barnett, Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya, reaffirmed the UK Government’s support for Kenya’s economic transformation and private sector–led growth.
“The United Kingdom remains committed to working with Kenya to unlock investment, support business reforms and strengthen partnerships that deliver sustainable growth, jobs and shared prosperity for both our countries,” said Dr. Barnett.
The forum also highlighted Kenya’s strategic investment priorities, including technology and digital trade, clean and green energy, financial services, health, education and skills development, as well as opportunities arising from privatization and public–private partnerships.
Key outcomes of the forum included commitments to enhance public–private engagement, advance regulatory reforms and strengthen investor aftercare through SDIP to ensure long-term investment retention.
The inaugural UK–Kenya Business Forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration between government and the private sector to translate growing investor interest into tangible investments that support inclusive growth and shared prosperity between Kenya and the United Kingdom.